Three industry experts – Joe Zamoiski of 1st Portfolio Lending, George Papakostas of Long & Foster, and George Glekas of GPN Title – will give an informative talk about the process of buying a home in Arlington. Joe, George, and George have years of experience between them in the Arlington market, not to mention hundreds of successful transactions.

They’ll cover the home-buying process in detail, including:

Identifying a home.

The offer, negotiation, and closing process.

Financing, including loan approval and figuring out what you can afford.

State of the Arlington market.

In addition to the above, the purpose of the seminar is to answer your questions. Attendance is kept low to allow ample attention for all attendees. You’ll have plenty of time to ask questions during the Q&A or afterwards if you’d prefer to ask a question privately.

The speakers will present for 45 minutes or so, after which there will be Q&A for 30 minutes, when the seminar officially ends. But Joe, George, and George will stick around as long as necessary to answer all questions.

Three industry experts – Joe Zamoiski of 1st Portfolio Lending, George Papakostas of Long & Foster, and George Glekas of GPN Title – will give an informative talk about the process of buying a home in Arlington. Joe, George, and George have years of experience between them in the Arlington market, not to mention hundreds of successful transactions.

They’ll cover the home-buying process in detail, including:

Identifying a home.

The offer, negotiation, and closing process.

Financing, including loan approval and figuring out what you can afford.

State of the Arlington market.

In addition to the above, the purpose of the seminar is to answer your questions. Attendance is kept low to allow ample attention for all attendees. You’ll have plenty of time to ask questions during the Q&A or afterwards if you’d prefer to ask a question privately.

The speakers will present for 45 minutes or so, after which there will be Q&A for 30 minutes, when the seminar officially ends. But Joe, George, and George will stick around as long as necessary to answer all questions.

Long-Time Clarendon Shoe Store to Close — Public Shoe Store, at 3137 Wilson Blvd in Clarendon, is expected to close in May. The store, which primarily sells “comfort shoes,” has been in business for 75 years. Its owner, 82, is retiring and is looking for a new tenant for the building, which his family owns. [Washington Business Journal]

Home Sales Continue to Rise — The number of home sales in Arlington in January was up 10 percent and the average sales price up 18 percent compared to one year prior, according to new data. The average sales price for all properties is $621,242. For single family homes, it’s $932,253, a hike of nearly 25 percent compared to 2014. [InsideNova]

Highline Now Open — Highline RxR, Crystal City’s newest bar, is now open for lunch, dinner and drinks at 2010 Crystal Drive. [Twitter]

Arlington Store Makes Top Chocolate Shop List — Artisan Confections, at 1025 N. Fillmore Street in Clarendon, has been named one of DCist’s “favorite local chocolate shops.” The shop “specializes in handmade truffles formed into impeccable squares and imprinted with delicate geometric or nature-inspired patterns.” [DCist]

More Metro Issues — Due to a “medical concern” at East Falls Church, there were delays on the inbound Orange Line this morning. The delays resulted in a very crowded platform at Clarendon. Some delays were also reported on the Blue Line. [Twitter]

According to the trend map (left) provided by the county’s Department of Finance, the area hit hardest by the assessment rise was the southwestern-most part of the county, from Columbia Pike to the border with Alexandria (area 10).

The average assessment for this area rose 11 percent, from $362,527 to $402,404. Homes in this area were the least valuable on average in the county last year and, despite the $40,000 jump, are the least valuable this year. If the tax rate remains at around one dollar per $100 of assessed value, the owners of houses in this area will pay about $400 more on average this year than last year.

The area with the second-least valuable homes in the county is area 8, which includes the Columbia Heights West, Barcroft and Glencarlyn neighborhoods. The average assessment rose 9 percent in this area, from $388,215 to $423,115, or an average increase of about $350 in property taxes this year over last.

By contrast, the wealthiest area in Arlington — area 3 in the northernmost part of the county — experienced almost no rise in assessments. The average home was valued at $1,011,423 last year and $1,014,566 this year, a 0.3 percent increase.

The full list of changes, with area numbers corresponding to the above map:

The company, founded in February 2012, has signed a lease at 1000 Wilson Blvd, one of Rosslyn’s silver “twin towers.” About 25 employees are expected to move into the new office this spring, according to Free Beacon president Aaron Harison.

“I thought we were getting a lot more bang for our buck in Rosslyn,” Harison told ARLnow.com. The publication, described by its soon-to-be Rosslyn neighbor Politico as a “pot-stirring, hyper-conservative news and opinion site,” previously had offices on K Street NW in the District.

“We’re getting this great panoramic view of the whole city,” Harison said. “That’s something you don’t get in D.C.”

The Free Beacon recently transitioned from being a nonprofit organization, founded as a project of another conservative nonprofit, to being a for-profit entity. Harison said the new office will allow the publication to continue to grow.

“We really want to increase our footprint,” he said.

Harison, a Ballston resident, said the expanding Rosslyn restaurant and bar scene should help to ease the transition from D.C.

“We’re certainly going to be looking for a couple of new bars and restaurants to make our local haunts,” he said.

Rosslyn has become something of a minor media hub. Among the media organizations calling Rosslyn home are WJLA-TV, Politico, Washington Business Journal, ARLnow.com and Graham Holdings (owner of Slate, theRoot and Foreign Policy).

In addition to the Free Beacon, twin towers owner Monday Properties on Wednesday announced two other new leases at 1000 Wilson Blvd: Cobro Ventures, an investment and management company, and Riveron Consulting, a financial firm.

Monday will go before the Arlington County Board this weekend to seek permission to build a new roof deck on 1000 Wilson Blvd. That roof deck will be used by Sands Capital, an existing tenant, according to a spokeswoman.

Dragging down both was a 4.5 percent decline in existing office property assessments. Arlington County has been struggling with an office vacancy rate north of 20 percent.

“Arlington’s overall real estate market remains resilient,” Arlington County Manager Barbara Donnellan said in a statement. “The strength of our residential market balances the tremendous pressures we see in the office building market due to the effects of BRAC and regional competition.”

Real estate assessments are being mailed to all Arlington property owners today. The 2015 assessments will also be posted online and made available at 11:00 tonight.

Unless the Arlington County Board decides to lower the property tax rate, the rise in assessments will mean higher tax bills for homeowners. Either way, it should mean lower tax bills for commercial office building owners. Despite the rise in assessments, the county is still facing a multi-million dollar budget gap for its FY 2016 budget.

Arlington Firms Among ‘Best Companies to Work For’ – Two Arlington-based companies have made the annual list of the top 50 small and medium-sized companies to work for . The 2015 list, compiled by employment website Glassdoor.com, ranks Ballston-based Evolent Health at No. 3 and Courthouse-based Opower at No. 25.

New Plan for Rosslyn Plaza — Vornado and Gould Property Co. have updated their redevelopment plan for Rosslyn Plaza, the series of aging buildings along N. Arlington Ridge Road between Wilson Blvd and 19th Street N. The development team is proposing 2.5 million square feet of new construction, including a total of five office and residential buildings, four acres of open space and a esplanade deck with views of D.C. and an outdoor ice rink in the winter. [Washington Business Journal]

Celtics Player Swings By The Italian Store — Celtics center Kelly Olynyk stopped by The Italian Store after losing to the Wizards in double-overtime on Monday. He posed for photos and even helped make sandwiches and pizzas. Olynyk isn’t the only pro athlete that has visited the Lee Highway store. Nene, of the Wizards, and Nationals stars Stephen Strasburg and Ryan Zimmerman have stopped by, as has NBA great John Stockton, who happens to be owner Bob Tramonte’s brother-in-law. [Washington Post]

ACFD Recruitment Starts Tomorrow — The Arlington County Fire Department’s biennial open recruitment period starts tomorrow. From Dec. 12-25 ACFD will accept applications for potential firefighter and EMT recruits. No experience is necessary. The county has also made a series of “Join the ACFD” videos for recruitment purposes. [Arlington County]

Arbour Realty Acquired By Md. Brokerage — Arbour Realty, the Ballston-based boutique real estate brokerage owned by “Ask Adam” columnist Adam Gallegos, has been acquired by Real Living At Home, a larger brokerage with office in Chevy Chase, Md. and Dupont Circle in D.C. Gallegos will hand over management responsibilities and continue as an agent with Real Living At Home. [Real Living At Home]

Morroy Announces Re-election Bid — Arlington Commissioner of Revenue Ingrid Morroy announced that she will be seeking re-election in 2015 at last night’s Arlington County Democratic Committee meeting. Morroy, who is recovering from recent hip replacement surgery, outlined her goals for a new term. The goals include returning property assessments to the Commissioner of Revenue’s office, thus bringing it under the supervision of an elected official who’s directly responsible to taxpayers.

Arlingtonian Running for UK Parliament — Arlington resident Sonia Klein, who was born in London, is running for a seat in the UK House of Commons. Klein, who’s affiliated with the Labour Party, can run because residency is not required to run for House of Commons seats. Klein has previously served as vice chair of precinct operations for the Arlington County Democratic Committee. [InsideNova]

Whipple Appointed to Board of Health — Gov. Terry McAuliffe has appointed former state Sen. Mary Margaret Whipple to the Virginia Board of Health. Whipple previously represented the 31st District, which includes Arlington, in the state Senate. [Commonwealth of Virginia]

New Cycletrack Proposed — Arlington County is proposing a sidewalk-level cycletrack along S. Walter Reed Drive to connect the W&OD Trail and the Four Mile Run Trail. However, some cyclists are concerned the cycletrack would be barely distinguishable from the adjacent sidewalk. [Greater Greater Washington]

Crystal City and Rosslyn were big winners at the NAIOP Northern Virginia commercial real estate development awards yesterday.

Projects and transactions in the two Arlington communities accounted for nearly a third of the 25 awards given out by the organization last night. Adding to Arlington’s haul was one award for a building in Clarendon.

This Glencarlyn Darlin’ is nestled in the heart of a neighborhood “Preservation Arlington” will surely remember.

Glencarlyn is the site of the oldest home in Arlington, the Ball-Sellers House, as well as may structures from the Victorian era. The Glencarlyn Park was once the destination for Washington dwellers to escape city heat and humidity. Remnants of a dance pavilion from that time remain in the park.

Today, the neighborhood is filled with charming homes, such as this Cape Cod at 5627 5th Street S. An open house for the home will be held on Sunday, Nov. 16 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.

The main level offers a living room with fireplace, separate dining room and an updated kitchen with ample white cabinets and appliances as well as granite countertops. A main level den is the perfect spot for a home office or relaxing.

Upstairs there are two large bedrooms, and a walk-in closet off the master bedroom. The lower level has been remodeled with new windows, paint, carpeting and a half bathroom.

An outdoor room has been created with a patio covered by a pergola and screened with plantings. It is the perfect spot for entertaining nearly year round.

Recent updates include air conditioning, hot water heater and double pane windows.

An inviting home in a historic location, listed at $585,000. Additional details about 5627 5th Street S. are available on betsytwigg.com.

For sale: a charming Colonial in the heart of Lyon Park, convenient to Clarendon, Metro and much more.

This is a great opportunity to own a classic Colonial in the heart of Arlington’s lovely Lyon Park neighborhood. Listed at $830,000, this home is in move-in condition and in a location you will value every day.

This gem, located at 120 N. Fillmore Street in Arlington, is close to parks, playgrounds, bike trails, jogging paths, coffee shops, retail stores, restaurants and nightlife. It is around the corner from Long Branch Elementary School and down the street from the Clarendon Metro and the lively Orange Line corridor, which includes Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods and Market Common. Two blocks away is Lyon Park’s historic community center building and beautiful park and playground.

The home offers a gracious living room and an updated kitchen with stainless steel appliances. The kitchen opens to the contemporary dining area with lovely hardwood floors. The main floor includes a cozy carpeted den/third bedroom with lots of windows and natural light. The lower level includes an office area, full bathroom and a recreation room with separate laundry.

Upstairs the home features an elegant master bedroom and a second good-sized bedroom, both with original hardwood floors. A bright full bathroom and a bonus room, a finished loft in the attic on the top level, complete the upstairs area. Closets are plentiful throughout.

The exterior of the home is delightful. It is on a corner lot that features mature trees, lovely landscaping, and a charming wrought iron fence. The backyard also features a spacious stone patio, perfect for grilling and entertaining. There is a wide driveway and an attached garage that can handle a car and work area. A shed is also located in the back, ideal for storing yard and other work supplies.

120 N. Fillmore Street is convenient to everything, with plenty of room to expand. It sits on a street with million-dollar homes, both newly constructed and completely renovated. The home is located within the Long Branch Elementary, Thomas Jefferson Middle School and Washington-Lee High School districts.

Walk to Westover Village from this thoughtfully expanded, renovated center hall Colonial in the popular Tara neighborhood.

The home’s main level offers a living room with fireplace, adjoining den, formal dining room, powder room, large kitchen with cream cabinets, stainless steel appliances, breakfast bar and pantry. Walls of windows brighten the breakfast room which flows into the family room with doors to the deck and level rear yard.

Upstairs there are four bedrooms, two bathrooms, linen closet and pull down stairs to the huge floored attic. A delightful feature is the deck off the master bedroom.

The lower level offers a rec room with fireplace, built-in desk, Murphy bed, third bathroom and a wet bar tucked under the stairs. Additional storage is available in the large utility room.

The garage has been converted to a private space for a home office or a private retreat. It has separate heating and cooling, cork flooring, ceiling fans and media connnections.

Arlington Woman Wins Army Ten-Miler — An Arlington woman was the top female finisher in the 30th annual Army Ten-Miler on Sunday. Kerri Gallagher, 25, won the race with a time of 54:50. Two other Arlington women cracked the top 10: eighth place finisher Samantha Diehl, 26, and tenth place finisher Amy Laskowske, 27. [Stars and Stripes, Army Ten-Miler]

Rare Photo of Arlington House Slave — The National Park Service unveiled a rare photo of Selina Norris Gray, a slave at Robert E. Lee’s Arlington House, over the weekend. The photo was purchased on eBay by a Park Service volunteer, who recognized Gray in the photo. It was sold by a seller in England who had found a box of “unwanted” photos at a yard sale. [Washington Post, WJLA]

Home Sales Up, Prices Down — The average home sale price in Arlington slid 2.8 percent in September, compared to one year prior, but the volume of sales rose by about 10 percent. [InsideNova]

Demolitions in Historic Districts — Since the beginning of the year, applications have been filed to demolish at least 25 homes in historic districts in Arlington. “The looming demolition of these houses and buildings represents an incredible loss of history, architecture, time, energy and materials,” the group Preservation Arlington said in a blog post. As previously reported, home demolitions are on pace for a record pace this year. [Preservation Arlington]

Perched on the 10th floor of The Odyssey, this 1635 SF, 2 BR + den, 2.5 BA, corner unit stretches out behind floor to ceiling glass windows overlooking Georgetown, the Palisades and the National Cathedral.

The master suite and second bedroom with full bath occupy opposite ends of the unit, providing privacy for each. In between are the Living Room, Dining Room, Kitchen, Den with fireplace and a half-bath and laundry.